The Queen Photographers

Member Profile: Keda Sharber

Member profiles highlight black women photographers who are active members inside of The Queen Photographers Virtual CoWorking Community. These photographers participate in weekly virtual video calls to connect, support, and give advice to fellow photographers on various stages of their professional journey.

Purchased a camera for myself as a grad school graduation present. Started a 365 self portrait project. Friends wanted me to take similar images of them and the rest is history.

Who inspired you along your journey?

Tash (Ike & Tash), Jasmine Star, and other women who were successfully doing the thing that I desired to do.

Who was the first person who believed in you?

I was. When others may have thought it was a cute hobby, I had to tell myself that this was something that I could succeed in.

What was the moment you knew you could be successful at photography?

I still struggle with this, but those moments when I get clients who see the value in what I do, trust my vision and don’t recoil at pricing…those are the moments that reassure me that success is possible.

How do you define success for yourself?

Being fulfilled by my work. Creating art that feeds my soul. Having freedom to be with my family and provide for them in the way my heart desires. Growing daily. Inspiring and teaching/helping others along the way.

Give us a typical day in the life of YOU.

Wake up around 5:30 to make breakfast & pack lunches for my Tribe (4 kids & hubby). Get kids up and off to school. Get myself together & tidy up. Sit down at my desk and tackle emails, editing or other business. If it’s a shoot day, head out for a session around 9:30 & wrap no later than 2p. Home in time to greet kids as they come back home from school & help them with homework as needed. Make dinner & complete more editing. In the bed around 11-midnight.

What’s been your most important skill you’ve developed as a photographer?

Customer service. Although it’s important to be able to take a pretty picture, being able to relate to and communicate with is what makes my business run. It’s what keeps them coming back and referring me to their friends and family. Providing a great experience and a quality product is key.

What’s been your greatest challenge?

Reaching the level of financial success I strive for and maintaining that belief in myself that I can reach the goals I set for myself.